According to place theory, sound wave peaks for higher pitches occur at a place _____ that is _____ the oval window than peaks for lower pitches.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Place theory suggests that different sound frequencies vibrate different locations on the basilar membrane within the inner ear. Peaking occurs at different locations for different pitches. Higher-pitched sounds have a higher frequency and stimulate a more localized region on the basilar membrane nearer to the oval window, while lower-pitched sounds have a lower frequency and stimulate a wider area on the membrane that is farther from the oval window. Therefore, the correct answer is C, on the basilar membrane, closer to the oval window for higher pitches.

According to Place Theory, Sound Wave Peaks for Higher Pitches